ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATION

Hokitika Guardian, 27 April 1931, Page 2

ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATION

iCEREMONY AT STATE SCHOOL. i j. ♦ . ‘ 'j,.’ At the Hokitika District High School on. Friday afternoon, the senior scholars of the primary school and the Scholars of the secondary school, were assembled at the School Flag at 3 o’clock, under the Rector (Air J. L. Monziex) and staff, Aliss A. Duff presiding at the piano. There were also present Revel. H. J. AY Knights, Vicar of All Saints’ Church, and Rev. G. [Knowles Smith of St. Raul’s Aletliod'ist Cl lurch, with Air D. J. Evans, [President of the Returned Soldiers’ also several parents, i- The proceedings opened with the .'singing of a verse of the National JAthcni. The Rector then referred .briefly of the occasion and invited ■Revd. Knights to address the scholars. ;I Revd. Knights said as one who was ■mot a New Zealander at the time of «thc Groat AVar, Anzac Day did not ■i;i!ike the intimate appeal to him porrsonally it did to those present, so ftphny of whom were identified with ?those who participated actually in the [landing at Gallipoli. But all the i:world admired aud regarded with the 'greatest esteem the wonderfiil deeds performed oh that occasion by the eitiien soldiers of Australia and Now They performed deeds of valour written indelibly in the history of the Empire, and showed their readiness for the highest service for the good of all. It was that service which was the greatest trait in all war’s characteristics. The colonial soldiers volunteered unselfishly for service for the common protection of the community, and it showed a spirit of great self sacrifice which was the highest ideal in life. The Landing was a formidable task, for all faced their doom in performing that intrepid feat.

None knew who would get through unscathed, and despite the imminent danger, each and all were l fajeady; .to make the sacrifice. 1 tvas that devotion to service for good of humanity, that the Rev'etend .gentleman wished to stress on this special occasion on the minds of liis young hearers. As they went out into the world they would have duties thrust ■ suddenly upon them, and he hoped; : they would make their choice in performing their duty without any spirit?!of selfishness. He went on to refer 'to the foundation principle of the Tocli H. organisation, now growing all round the world, which was hound up in the statement: “Service is the. rent paid for our place on earth.” Recognising that as a definite

'principle of life and living, they could jlf all play their part in the world not for interests, but for the common “"good of all. He did rot wish to pleach a sermon, lie said, but his trhiil bf a thought iit respect to the text he had given them, showed that by adherence . io true service man to man, it was possible to bring about the true Kingdom of God, It was for all to work unitedly for the common good. The general in a great battle did not consider the individual, but the effect of the objective to give security to all. So it was with the men of Anzac, and those who came after them in so many stirring deeds of service throughout the Great War, they- thought not of self hut the security victory would bring . to the world at large. They were content to fight on valiantly to the victorious end, performing a service or inestimable value for national security which all enjoyed to-dav, and for which on such a special commemoration as the present we all had reason to he grateful for. And with those thoughts in mind, he commended to the young people before him, the duty of service as they passed through life so-as to earn the reward of for duty well done.

"At the close of the address, which . was most attentively listened to by the is'&holars, two verses of Kipling’s hymn (“Recessional") were sung, and then the assemblage marched in orderly manner to the School Cenotaph. Three wreaths were- laid by scholars on the memorial to the memory of those of the school who had served in the Great War, each section of four divisions of the school being represented. Mr Warren placed a wreath on behalf of the staff of the School, and Mr Evans on behalf of the Returned Soldiers’ Association.

The Revd. Knowles Smith engaged in a short prayer of supplication, fol-

lowed by pronouncing the Benediction, and the impressive proceedings con.l eluded, the School then being dismissed.

UNITED TUBLIC SERVICE. PRINCESS THEATRE. At one o'clock on Saturday afternoon there was an assembly at the Drill Hall for the parade in connection with Anzac Day. There was a good all round muster, and an impeding display on the inarch. The Miuii’dpnl Band under Conductor Ross headed the procession, followed by uvea 1 00 Returned men’headed by Cantain Bleach and Padres Knights and Knowles Smith. Most of the returned teen were their decorations and medals, very appropriately, and there was a notable array of the coveted honours. Following next in the procession, came a volunteer firing party of »l||ttt a dozen men, led by Lieut. Hutchison. Hie Bov Scouts came pext' in good force under Scoutmaster SuHicrlaml, and the Girl Guides under Mrs Perry and her officers completed

the procession which was of impressive length, and indicated the spirit abroad among the young people. The public lined the streets, and manifested much interest in the display which was creditable to all concerned. Princess Theatre was fairly well filled which followed the arrival of the parade. Alostly adults were present, as the public school children had a special commemoration the afternoon previously. His Worship the Mayor (Air G. A. Perry, 0.8. E.) presided at the service which opened with the singing of a verse of the National Anthem, the Band leading the singing. ,Alr Perry in his opening remarks apologised for the absence of Revd. G. A. Naylor who was indisposed and confined to his room. Referring to the occasion for their assemblage that afternoon, the Chairman mentioned the passing of the years since the deeds of Anzac were first recorded. The time was so far distant that there were many now had not the actual knowledge of the stirring events of the Great AVar, but those who remembered them, would always feel the obligation to recall the groat sacrifice made, and honour the memories of those who served. The AVar brought to tin l minds of the people of New Zealand the value of one position in the world. Previously to that tl-enleiidous event, the people could hardly have realised their responsibilities; but af the call their soldiers distinguished them-'elves at eve tv opportunity, and they gained it reputation for coiitagc, steadfastness and endufahee, and those qualities were maintained til! their efforts were crowned with success. Much the same qualities were demanded of the people to-day. There were difficult conditions to he faced demanding the same courage, steadfastness and hopefulness, if they were to come through the difficulties facing their nation. The depression prevailing was touching all parts of the world, and every country had its trials and anxieties. As a. people they were fortunately placed for the war had helped to build up and bring out the national character, and they could be relied on to maintain those qualities for which the British people wore noted. The spirit which nnimat-d their soldiers in the war protecting their freedom, would continue to mairj tain, the people in their present fight for the restoration of better times. They to-day had to take a lesson from those who had come through triumphantly in the face of great odds, and if they appreciated all that had been done for them, then the learning of the lesson would not be in vain, and the future of New Zealand would be assured.

The hymn “0 God our Help in Ages "Past,” was .sung by the congregation. Ensign Board, of the Salvation Army, read a selection of scripture appropriate to the occasion, and Revd. ’FT. J. AY. Knights engaged in prayer. The livnm “God of our Fathers Known of Old” (Kipling’s “Recessional.followed befo-e the occasional address by Revd. G, Knowles Smith,

ADDRESS BY REVD. KNOWLES SMITH. What- is the value of Anzac to-day? Asked the speaker. Has the time come when, its celebration should cease? There is undoubtedly a strong current of opinion that its usefulness may have passed, and not a few feel that if its continuance is simply to feed the flame of passion in the revelling, of putrid minds in such works as “All Quiet on the Western Front,” then the sooner abolished the better. Whilst- also ranking in the mind of not a few returned men is the thou slit that after all. the men who went West in the terrible carriage of War, are better off than those who returned many of them nerve and health shattered to face the poverty and hardships of these days. Tt is my privilege this afternoon in the few minutes allotted to me, said the speaker, to offer to you another viewpoint to suggest to you that these celebrations if rightly used, are amongst our greatest assets wherewith to meet these times. To remind my brethren of the R.S.A. that a greater glory and a greater honour may be theirs even then in being counted in the list of those whose memories we to-day commemorate. They, were heroes, heroes indeed who finished their warfare and laid down their arms, but those present are heroes, who must continue the fight, and though weary and oft times apparently defeated, must struggle on until Victory is assured.

■ < One often heat's the saying:—“Who won the war? But as a.matter of fact the war is not yet, over, and who will win depends very largely whether we have learned, and can put into practise the lessons learnt on those fields of carnage on Gallipoli in France in Palestine. and elsewhere. Am I speaking in riddles, asked Mr Knowles Smith. Ho explained it is often said that the present economic position of the world, the slump to give a more popular name, is the aftermath of the War. He did not think so. To trace the causes they must get further back. Tin v must go to Those years when Neil-the tutor'd the Prussian nation in the idea of the Superman, taught the Kaiser and his people to believe that they were destined to play the part of the Superman and rule the world. It was tile fact- that they became so confident one might say. so obsessed with the idea, tilijat- they became eager to test, it out by the Fcruj of Arms, and whilst the cost was heavy, terrifically heavy as many a sacred acre filled with soldiers graves testifies, the Supenn.au was proved to bo a giant devil, and was flung hack to Ids haunts, broken and crippled hut not unfortunately killed. . Mr K nowles Smith said he believed had the war not occurred, the battle would still have boon fought on oenu-

omic lines and although the war ended in the one phase so disastrously for them, if we could but get a look behind the scenes, we should find that whilst the. German at home is apparently down and out, the German, the Superman financier who has his lmml upon the gold resources of flic world, and who believes that “money talks,” and he or they can dictate to the world .and s'queozie the life blood of the heroes nations, and so revenge their disaster as well as; carry out their project of world dominance is the foe we have still to face and to overthrow. The weapons may he different but the spirit must be the same. If we have learnt the le-sons of the battle front, loyalty, unity and self sacrifice taught amidst falling shells, and the loss of comrades whose passing to-day is commemorated, we may, like them even fall in his conllitt, hut onr Nation shall win through and it shall yet lie said “Bntains never shall ho slaves.”

Grouch, said the speaker, if you will, on these hard times and is not it the soldiers privilege to do a hit of a grouch, hut as on the days of the trenches, get on with your job. Rations may he short, lint pack no your troubles in vottr old kit bag and smile smile smile,

Do not worry, lie advised, about class distinctions. Voii did tint care whether your cobber was a millionaire or a bootblack. You bad an objective to roach and steadily shoulder td shoulder, steadily blade by blade, Von got there. Our objective is a prosperous and happy New Zealand a it<l fot‘ our children and out’ children's children, and we’ll get there if everybody do'vs bis bit. It may ho a long long trail unwinding, but it will lead us right there. In closing be gave a last word: Remember the boys are watching you. I believe and believe with all my soul in the great truth of immortality, and -hose of our comrades who were counted out. only passed through a veil. Today they arc with us, and they watched to see if we are true to their memories, tme to their spirit, and fighting on. Shall their sacrifice be in vain? A thousand times no!

They are watching o’er the battlements Of their now eternal home. Tbev are cheering as they watch us. Fighting still and working on. Fighting for a world of freedom, For a land of truth and love, For a country that must needs be God’s own country and man’s free home.

Men let us be true to their confidence in us, was the concluding noto of a stirring address. At the conclusion of the address, the hymn. “0 Valiant Hearts who to you came,” followed, and the main service concluded with Revd. Knights pronouncing the Benediction. The Band then played the general march “The Garland of Flowers,” very impressively. Afterwards, Bandsman L. Ross sounded the Last Post, and the Reveille followed, the congregation then dispersing. A retiring collection, taken up by the Girl Guides to assist the It.S.A. in defraying the cost of headstones on Soldiers’ graves at the Hokitika Cemetery, realised £7 4s (id.

HONOURS TO THE DEPARTED. Following the United Service, the parade reformed and moved to the South African war memorial, which was saluted by the military, three volleys fired; and the Last Post sounded. The next stage was to the Great War Cenotaph, Cass Square, where many beautiful wreathsi were laid, in addition to those on the Clock Tower, The departed were saluted and the Bast Post and Reveille sounded, and the Band played the National Anthem. The main body of the parade then marched back to the Drill Hall for dismissal, the returned men now about 60 strong proceeding to the cemetery where 45 poppy wreaths were laid on the graves of departed soldiers and war workers.

GATHERING AT SOLDIERS’ HALL

On returning to the Soldiers’ Hall, a large party was entertained at afternoon tea by President of the Returned Soldiers’ Association and his family, to whom a vote of thanks was passed by acclamation on the motion of Revel. Knowles Smith. It was announced th e annual meeting would be held on the lßtli .prox.

RETURNED SOLDIERS’ CONCERT. There was a capital attendance at the Princess Theatre in the evening of Anzac Day for the concert organised by the Returned Soldiers’ Club. Every seat was taken down stairs, and on:y a few ...seats remained unoccupied up stairs. The large audience was rewarded with an excellent performance. Practically all the items were of outstanding merit, most of the performers were recalled some, twice with still a. desire for more!

The concert opened with the National Anthem, while the first solo was appropriately. “Heroes of the Dardanelles,” which .Hiss Rita Morgan rendered very efficiently. During the singing of the recall number, “The Rose of No Man's Land,” there was a slight quake, which, never the le-ss had some disturbing effect on the audience, but the singer kept to her theme, and nothing untoward happened. Air H. M.

Coulson followed with a somewhat heavy piece, “Karl the Alartyr,” but the stirring story was told with telling effect and held the audience. “Alelisande in the Wood.” was Aliss Knight’s choice, alul was sling with much taste and expression. The vocal duet selected by -Misses A. and (J. Lynn was a pleasing novelty. The elder sister playing the accmiipau meet on the steel guitar with good effect, and a recall was demanded when a selection on the instrument was reiuled. Air T. Hatch sang “Ave Alaria” it Latin, giving a sympathetic rendering which earned the young singer a well deserved encore. Of special interest was the violin solo by Air J. Ackers, “('ornliach.” which was capably rendered. A notable lea lure of this number was the piano nccompaiiiuent played by Air Ferguson ut Ara* mra Road. The l’ecajl played brought nit the executive ability ou the violinist, but again the finished accompanist was a feature, and the number *iact to be repeated the second time. Airs '■loop in fine 'full voice sang, ‘ Rove is a Merry Carpenter,” with a pleasing lilt, and was recalled very deservedly. Mr.!. R. MelizioS ill two musical monologues (aj “Twenty Gallons of Sleep,” and (b) “FarthetiwnrOi” blade a

happy choice, aiu.l the numbers pleased the audience extremely. The vocal duet by Alisss Haiirahaii and WarrtMi. “Oh That we Two-were Alaying,” won a hearty recall, the voices bleiutiiig beautifully. The quintette by a Maori party ffoin Aruhurn, “Sailing Far Away,” caught the public fancy mid was loudly recalled. Mrs Findlay in the patriotic song, “On the Shores of the Agean Sea,” provided another very pleasing choice for the enjoyment of the audience, and was recalled to render a stirring marching song of the war times. Further pleasing variety was added to the programme at this stage by- the ’cello solo, “A Keltic Rament.” sympathetically played by Air Robilliard. Equally pleasing was the “Ave Alaria” played as an encore, both numbers being very meritorious. Miss A. Dull' was accorded a flattering

reception for her spirited song, | “There’s a Land.” and being ovationed, had to render two popular Scotch songs to attempt to satisfy an exacting audience. A new—and effective performer—in the person of Mr A\ . E. Brown appeared in two notable recitals (a) “Tommy,” one of Rudyard Kipling’s gems, and (b) “AA hat Did You Do in the AVar Daddy” Both themes dealt with the life of the soldier on service, and very graphic was the tolling descriptive effect by tno performer. -Mss AYvlie was heard in very pleasant effect in “Chanson do Florian,” and bowed her acknowledgements to the recall. Air A. Perry was pleasantly received in his solo, “Spirits Gentil,” and the audience would fain have heard him again in the vernacular, but be also bowed bis thanks to the plaudits of the audience. Tito violin duct, by Mosul's Ackers and Heinz was the well-known number ‘Souvenir,” and loud applause marked the appreciation. Miss AI. Tain* ui, in pleasant voice, sang a AJaori lay, E Te ALingai,” with distant chorous refrain, which was very effective. “Abide with Ale,” was impressively rendered by Aliss Alaria Jones, and a recall demanded. The concert concluded with the combined Church choirs rendering the Anzac Anthem, “Live for Ever Afore.” z There were several ladies assisting with the accompaniments including Alisses Tainui, Davies, Daly, Giese and Mrs Robilliard, all of whom played very sympathetically. The concert directed by Air AY. E, Brown, who also returned thanks to the audience for the liberal patronage extended, ana to

the performers (specially mentioning those from a distance) for their splendid help in providing such a successful evening’s entertainment. The hearty singing of the National Anthem, closed the day’s worthy proceedngs in commeration of Anzac Day. ANZAC ANTHEM. By request we publish the following words of the Anthem which was sung at the concert on Saturday night:— Oh, Lord of Love, with whom in Heaven now dwell In rest eternal, from all burden free, New Zealand’s sous who nobly fought and fell, Teach us to honour their ideal ana Thee. Name of Anzac, Fame of Anzac, I.ivo for evermore.

Almighty God. inspire us all to strive For love and for the brotherhood of man ;

And grant the Anzac spirit may survive. On evil strife, 0 Lord, place Thou Thy ban. Name of Anzac, Fame of Anzac, Live for Evermore.

Oil, Lord of Hosts, whose banner is unfurled Throughout our Empire, humbly do we plead That Thou wilt- help us make a warless world. And banish hatred, jealousies and greed, Name of Anzac, Fame of Anzac, Live for Evermore.

Instil in us, oh Lord, the will for peace The zeal to fight for it with might and main. Our gallant sons who died that war should cease Mmst not have made their sacrifice

in vain. Name of Anzac, Fame of Anzac Live for Evermore,